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Off up to Hexham in a week or so taking the good bike as well as the family stuff. Anything worth riding nearby for those snatched times I can sneak away? I'll be going to kielder, so was thinking any other nice tracks maybe in view of the wall for the atmosphere.
Very much depends what you're looking for. Some decent moorland riding on Hexham Common if you like big days out. Nowhere near the wall though. Hadrian's Cycleway (Road) runs roughly alongside the wall. You can ride up past the wall and into Kielder forest, which is probably gonna be a mix of road and gravel mostly. (bearing in mind the trails at Kielder are at the top end, so nowhere near, but if you like gravel it gets pretty remote). Sandstone way. Not done it myself, but not heard very good reviews either. Chopwell is not too far away. Kielder and Hamsterley trails both within driving distance but probably getting on to an hour each way.
Hadrians "Hole in the Wall" ???
If you’re going to cragside throw the bike in the car, sneak off early and meet them at the pub in rothbury. That’s what I did last September
https://strava.app.link/V4j7OKvYsgb
Nice little route Doc. There are some hidden bits up on the carriage drive too.
Hexham Common
Chopwell
Hamsterly Forrest
All within reach.
If you go to Hexham Common, wear bog snorkelling gear & don't forget your bike washing stuff.
It'll be lovely after this damp spell.
Thrunton?
Rothbury?
Not areas I know well but there is stuff there.
https://www.strava.com/activities/2172191294#54793500170
Bolts law is good. The rest of this route is easy but it would be ok even after the rain.
Bit of a drive from Hexham but there's the 7Stanes route at Newcastleton. It's about a 75 minute drive each way but relatively easy to follow the arrows if you don't want to lose your way on more natural trails.
Not ridden there for years though so no idea what it's like these days.
Hexhamshire Common ain’t what it was. A lot of beautiful old bridleways have been bulldozed and resurfaced for grouse shooting access.
Thrunton Woods and Simonside are worth exploring.
Midge repellent for while you’re near Kielder water